Vending machine operation simulator and tester



Nov. 24, 1970 J. A. HARRIS A. 1 3,543,111

OPERATION SIMULATOR AND TESTER Fi1edJune 5,-1968 Q 2 Sheets-Shawl 4 F? F 55 at 74 I a 66 65-64 636Z 65 I 2,

4 J l 1," l i 26/ 26 25 l Z5 24 I 44 -c x 31 3a 29 2a 9{ 27. 44 4 6-, U 1L fi 6 5 4 3 Z 1 L 47 4 I G) 56 20 5 52 7 7a 77 54, I /6 1 6 1 E" INVENTORS [Tab/7 H. Harris 5 i Warren 6. Fuss lg lz yua/og 9% 6% 7%] 5 l6, V4 16 i United States Patent 3,543,111 VENDING MACHINE OPERATION SIMULATOR AND TESTER John A. Harris and Warren C. Fuss, Hagerstown, Md., assignors to Victor Products Corporation, Hagerstown,

Filed June 5, 1968, Ser. No. 734,713

Int. Cl. G01r 31/00 U.S. Cl. 32473 2 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention covers the design of a testing device which permits very rapid trouble shooting of a solid-state control for a vending machine and also for the entire electrical circuits throughout the vending machine.

Because solid-state controls offer the advantages of increased reliability, lower cost, and smaller size and weight, more and more manufacturers are using them. But these manufacturers are finding themselves faced with a maintenance problem. The average maintenance man feels lost when checking solid-state circuitry. He is more at home with relay systems because the moving parts associated with relays allow him to see what is happening, thus simplifying the problem of trouble diagnosis when some thing is wrong.

By means of this test box trouble shooting system, it is possible to isolate troubles and pinpoint the source in a relatively short period of time.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical six selection vending machine with a control box which in this case, incorporates solidstate devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates a testing unit embodying the present invention.

A vending machine solid-state control system for which the present unit has been devised is shown in U.S. Pat. 3,389,388, issued June 18, 1968 to Knud Helsing. FIG. 1 as it appears herein shows schematically portions of the circuit shown by the Helsing patent.

In FIG. 1, we show schematically the electro-mechanical circuitry of a vending machine with six selections (1-6) all to be vended at the same price. For multiple pricing, and more or less selections, minor changes would be incorporated, such changes would however not affect the principle shown herein.

We show empty switches 32-37 each associated with and responsive to the presence or absence of product to allow selection of the respective products at respective selection switches 1-6. Intermediate between the product empty switches 32-37 and the respective empty indicator lamps 77-82, we interpose respectvie empty lamp switches 7-12.

In the vending machine of FIG. 1, there is provided an individual vend motor 62-67 for each product available, such that a motor representative of a selection is energized in response to selection of that product for vending. Each motor 62-67 has associated therewith a single cycle switch 56-61. These switches, cam operated by the motor in known fashion pulse once during an operative cycle to both control the cycle and to restore the coin machanism 15.

Coin mechanism 15 is a conventional single price responsive device which operates its output contactor 20 in response to passage of coins whose value aggregates a predetermined amount. The response of mechanism 15 causes its contactor 20 to open a circuit to its normal stationary contact 22 and to close a circuit to its operative stationary contact 21. Associated with coin mechanism 15 are two coin magnets 13 and 14 which are normally energized over a path from source lead L2 and conductor 19 through empty lamp switches 7-12 and conductor 18 to the juncture of a multiple connection to magnets 13 and 14. A conductor 17 normally provides a connection to the other source lead L1 through solid state control unit 16 such that the magnets become deenergized when coinage of the predetermined amount has been aggregated. At that time further coins are diverted to a coin return chute, as is Well-known in the art. This connection is not shown herein, as the insertion of the test unit of FIG. 2 acts to divert the circuit from circuit 16 through the test unit. Nominally connected conductor 22 is lamp 24 which indicates to the customer that his coins have been accepted and aggregate the necessary total allowing him to selected his product to be vended. The normal functioning of circuit box 16 and these elements is explained in the cited Helsing patent.

Further in FIG. 1 there is shown a correct change lamp utilized in a machine with change-making capability. Lamp 85 is energized when no change is present as indicated by the position of change switch 87. Normally this switch is closed to change magnet 14. In the absence of change, the switch closes to contact 86, to light lamp 85.

The solid state control circuit indicated by reference numeral 16 is similar to that shown in the cited Helsing patent. This circuit normally performs the functioning of a normal selection within what is labelled herein as box 16. The components, circuitry and connections within box 16 have not been shown herein as such would merely constitute a duplication of the showing of the figures of the patent.

In FIG. 1 of the patent, it can be seen that a selection is initiated by credit registration of the predetermined value and selection by actuation of switch S1, S2, etc., representing the product wanted by the customer. Actuation of a switch such as S1 triggers its SCR, such as SCR-1, into conduction. Conduction of an SCR biases its Triac, such as TR-l, into conduction allowing the motor M associated therewith to operate through its cycle. The operative cycle is ended by momentary operation of its carrier switch.

To implement the present invention, imposition of the plugs Aa-Fa of FIG. 2 (herein) into the plugs A-F of FIG. 1 (herein), the solid state control circuitry shown by the patent is rendered ineffective, and the control through the device of FIG. 2 (herein) is eifectuated.

The problem that arises if trouble is experienced with the vendor, is that the ordinary Serviceman has little knowledge of solid-state devices and no way of determining whether his trouble is in the control box and its solid-state components or in other wiring or other electrical components of the vendor. With the test box system described below, such trouble shooting becomes a routine matter.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic wiring diagram of the test box developed for this purpose. Note that there are six plugs Aa, Ba, Ca, Ba, Ba, and Pa. to match the six sockets indicated respectively as A-F in FIG. 1 of the solid-state control box 16. When the plugs are inserted in the respective sockets, the wiring is such that the select power indicator light 124 obtains its power from the same point as the vendors Make Selection light 24. The coin return magnet indicator light 113 of the test box act in performing a test on the magnets 13 and 14 obtains its power from the same point as the coin return magnets of the coin changer. The End Cycle switch 156 is connected in multiple to the motor driven cam switches 56-61 on the vendor, except that in one position the only power drawn is that to the Motor Power Indicator light 162, whereas in the other position such as when the End Cycle switch is manually operated, the current draw is through the Motor Load Simulator 176 and approximately the current drawn by an actual vend motor.

The Coin Switch 120 of the test box is a manually operated double throw switch which is wired in the test box circuit much the same as the actual coin changer coin switch on the vendor. The Select Switch 138 is a manually actuatable six position switch, and sends its impulse to any one of the six flavor selection points as selected by a rotary switch. Thus, by properly positioning the rotary switch on the test box, the one Select Switch can send its impulse to any one of six locations on the solid-state control box, and thus one select switch plus one rotary switch simulates the action of six different select switches on the vendor.

Similarly, the Motor Circuits Rotary Switch 168 is also a six position manually operable switch which selects any one of six motor circuits and sends the power from them to the Motor Power Indicator light 162, and the one motor power indicator light plus one rotary switch permits checking what would normally be six different power supplies to six vend motors.

In order to test a complete vendor to locate the point of electrical malfunction, the procedure is a follows:

The repairman removes the six connectors that lead from the solidstate control box 16 to the various areas of the vendor, and inserts the six plugs Aa, Ba, Ca, Da, Ea, and Fa of the test box into the respective sockets A-F of the vendor. If power is available from the vendor, and if the solid-state control box 16 is functioning properly, the Coin Return Magnet indicator light 113, will turn on. This simulates the coin magnets 113 of the vendor energizing. The indicator light 13, 14 receives its power in the same manner as the coin magnets 13, 14 of the vendor, conductor L1 to terminal 4 of socket A of the control box 16, to terminal 6 of socket B of the control box 16, through conductor 117, to the Coin Return Magnet indicator light 113 of the test box and the return circuit to L2 through conductor 119. It Coin Return Magnet indicator light 114 does not light, control box 16 is defective. If coin return magnet indicator light 113 does light the next step may be taken by depressing the Coin Switch 120. This sends an impulse through conductor 21 to terminal of socket B of the control box 16 which in turn discontinues the power through conductor 117 causing the Coin Return Magnet indicator light 113 to turn 01f. Upon releasing the Coin Switch 120 continued power through conductor 22 to terminal 4 of socket B of control box 16 establishes select power to the double pole Selection Control Switch 101 to Selector Switch 138, through conductor 126 from terminal 1 of socket C of control box 16. It also supplies power through conductor 23 from terminal 4 of socket C to Select Power indicator light 124, turning it on. The repairman has simulated depositing correct coinage into the vendor. If the Coin Reject Magnet indicator light 113 is still on or the Select Power indicator light 124 is not on the control box is defective. If these two components are as they should be the repairman can proceed.

The repairman positions the Flavor Selection Rotary Switch 138 to number 1 position, then depresses and releases the Selection and Control Switch 101. Power is then discontinued through conductors 126. Select Power indicator light 124 should turn off. Now if the Motor Circuit Rotary Switch 168 is positioned on number 1, electrical power will be transmitted from terminal 6 of socket B through conductor 50 to light the Motor Power indicator light 162, simulating a drive signal has been given to number 1 vend motor 62, and it is operating. If lights do not respond as described above, control box 16 is defective. If response is correct, the repairman has now simulated making a selection, and the vend is in progress.

By depressing and releasing the End of Cycle Switch 156, the test box simulates the sensing mechanism 176 that determines a vend has been completed, and this resets the solid-state control box 16 to its quiescent condition. If the End of Cycle Switch 156 is not depressed within approximately 6 /2 seconds, the Motor Power indicator light 162 will turn off and the Select Power indicator light 12 4 will again turn on. This is caused by the timer in the solid-state control box 16, that resets the circuit for another selection when a vend is not completed successfully as previously described.

The complete procedure, described above, is repeated six times, starting with both the Flavor Selection Rotary Switch 138 and Motor Circuits Rotary Switch 168 in position 1, then 2 and so on until each of the six different flavor circuits have been checked. If at any time the test box indicates that the circuit is not functioning properly the entire solid-state control box 16 is removed and a new one plugged in.

Assuming the entire solid-state control box 16 has been proven to be functioning satisfactorily, the next procedure is to determine where else in the vendor trouble exists. This may be done in any sequence, but the simplest is described hereafter.

The test box plug Ba, FIG. 2, is removed from socket B of the control box 16, and the vendor Wiring harness plug B, FIG. 1, is inserted. Now the actual coin changer 15, FIG. 1, wiring of the vendor is in the circuit, and the repairman must work with the coin changer 15, FIG. 1, in the vendor rather than the Coin Switch 120, FIG. 2, and Coin Return Magnet indicator light 113, FIG. 2, of the test box. With the solid-state control in its quiescent condition, the coin magnets 13, 14, FIG. 1, should be energized. Actuating coin switch 20, FIG. 1, of coin changer 15, FIG. 1, should deenergize the coin reject magnets 13, 14, FIG. 1, and result in the Select Power indicator light 124, FIG. 2, turning on. If either of these functions fail, replace the coin changer 15, FIG. 1, with one that is known to be operating properly. If new coin changer 15, FIG. 1, does not result in proper functioning of the coin reject magnets 13, 14, FIG. 1, and the coin switch 20, FIG. 1, the difliculty has been traced to one of the three conductors between the solid-state control box 16, plug B, and the coin changer 15, FIG. 1. The particular wire involved may be deduced by which function fails to perform.

Assuming there is no malfunction with the coin changer 15, FIG. 1, the next step is to remove plugs C, D of the vendor wiring harness. Now the test box is simulating only the motor circuits.

When the coin switch 20, FIG. 1, has been tripped, the Make Selection light 24, FIG. 1, on the vendor selector panel turns on. The repairman now depresses a select switch 32, FIG. 1, on the vendor door panel, and by tuming the Motor Circuits Rotary Switch 168 to position number 1, the Motor Power indicator light 162 should come on. If it does not, the malfunction is in the select switch 32, FIG. 1, conductor 43, FIG. 1, empty switch 1, FIG. 1, or conductor 49, FIG. 1, thus only 2 wires need be checked for continuity, and 2 switches for proper functioning. This operation is repeated six times, once for each select switch 1-6, of the vendor select panel. Any malfunction is immediately pinpointed, so continuity testing need be made only on the wire or switch proven to be defective.

The final stage of trouble shooting, assuming that all tests heretofore have proven no malfunctions, is to remove plugs Ea and Fa, FIG. 2, and plugs B, C, D, FIG. 1, from the solid-state control box 16, then insert plugs E, F, FIG. 1, and Ba, Ca, Da into the control box 16.

Now the test box will again simulate the functions of the coin changer 15, FIG. 1, and the select switches 16, FIG. 1, but the power will be transmitted to the vend motors 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, FIG. 1, instead of the Motor Power Indicator light 162.

By proceeding with the sequence of depressing then releasing the Coin Switch 120, FIG. 2, and Select Switch 101, FIG. 2, of the test box, any one of the six motors 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, FIG. 1, can be made to run by placing the Flavor Selection Rotary Switch 138, FIG. 2, in the appropriate position. If any one motor 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, or 67, FIG. 1, fails to operate, the trouble is obviously in the corresponding conductor 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, or 56, FIG. 1.

If all the motors fail to run the trouble is conductor 74, FIG. 1. If any or all motors run but fail to stop in the proper position, this indicates the trouble is in conductor 75 FIG. 1 or the corresponding carrier switch 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, or 61 to the failing motor 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 or 67.

As can be seen from the foregoing, trouble diagnosis of electrical failures of a vendor is vastly simplified and expedited by means of this technique and the test box which permits it.

What is claimed is:

1. For use with a multiselection automatic vending machine including:

(a) means for accepting valid coins to initiate the registration of credit commensurate with the value thereof and for conditioning said machine for a selection,

(b) individual means for selecting each product to be vended and for initiating a select signal on conditioned selection,

(c) individual vend means for each product responsive to a select signal to dispense a selected product,

((1) means for controlling the vending of each product in response to said selection and for sensing malfunctions in said machine,

(e) and vend cycle means for terminating each vend, the invention comprising a testing device for connection to the machine to test the functioning thereof, including:

(a) means for simulating the registration of credit and for indicating the response of the vend controlling means thereto,

(b) means for conditioning said device for the simulated selection of a product,

(0) means for simulating the initiation of a select sig nal through each conditioned means and means for indicating the response of the controlling means thereto,

(d) a vend cycle means simulator,

(e) a vend controlling means simulator,

(f) means for connecting said vend controlling means simulator to each of said vending means to allow testing of the functioning of each vend means and vend cycle means on a simulated selection,

(g) means for indicating the response of each vend means to its select signal, and

(b) means for individually isolating certain of said means to permit selective testing of the vending machine functions.

2. A vending machine function simulating device as claimed in claim 1, in which said vend controlling means comprises an assembly utilizing primarily solid state components, and said simulating device comprises an assem bly primarily utilizing electro-mechanical components.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,417,326 12/1968 Harris 3245l US. Cl. X.R. 32445 1 

